Karachi Police disperse families’ 140-day sit-in seeking release of Pakistani sailors

KARACHI: Karachi Police on Sunday dispersed a protest camp on Shahrah-e-Faisal where families of 10 Pakistani sailors allegedly held hostage by Somali pirates had been staging a sit-in for nearly 140 days, with protesters claiming that women, elderly people and children were among those detained.

The families have been protesting since April 21, demanding urgent government intervention for the release of the crew members of the oil tanker MT Honour 25, which they say was seized by Somali pirates off the Somali coast.

Videos obtained by Minute Mirror showed the aftermath of the police action, including overturned chairs, scattered green sheets and police vehicles at the protest site. Other footage appeared to show women and other protesters being taken away in police vehicles.

However, the circumstances surrounding the detentions and the exact number of people taken into custody could not independently be verified.

The protest was being held near a provincial Foreign Affairs camp office on one of Karachi’s busiest roads. Police officials reportedly cited security concerns around the sensitive location while dispersing the demonstrators.

Families demand answers

The families say they have spent more than four months seeking the safe return of their loved ones and have repeatedly appealed to the government and other authorities for assistance.

According to family members, the sailors have faced shortages of food, clean drinking water and medicines while remaining aboard the vessel. They have also expressed concern about crew members suffering from medical conditions.

Families further claim that direct communication with the sailors has been limited in recent weeks, adding to their anxiety over the crew’s safety.

“We are not asking for anything illegal. We just want our sons, brothers and fathers back alive,” a protester said in a video statement shared with Minute Mirror.

Another video recorded during the police action showed a detained protester criticising the authorities and appealing to PPP leaders to intervene.

A separate video appeared to show women inside a police vehicle, with one woman saying they had been detained while demanding the government protect their families’ rights.

The footage could not independently establish whether force was used against individual protesters or whether children were formally detained, and police have yet to publicly provide details of the operation.

Police response awaited

Minute Mirror contacted senior police officials seeking their version of events, including details of the dispersal, arrests and any case registered against protesters.

No detailed official response had been received at the time of publication.

The lack of an immediate police account has prompted criticism from rights activists and civil society representatives, who have questioned whether authorities could have handled the situation without detaining vulnerable family members.

A Karachi-based rights activist described the incident as particularly concerning because the protesters were relatives of people allegedly being held hostage overseas.

Rights groups have called for transparency regarding the detentions and urged authorities to ensure that any action against protesters remains consistent with constitutional protections for peaceful assembly and expression.

Government efforts

The dispute comes as Pakistani authorities continue diplomatic efforts over the sailors’ release.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting last week on the issue, while Pakistan has also raised the matter with the International Maritime Organization.

Families, however, say they remain dissatisfied with the pace of official action and want regular briefings about negotiations and the condition of the hostages.

According to people familiar with the matter, negotiations over a possible ransom have reportedly faced difficulties, with the pirates allegedly demanding millions of dollars. An ownership dispute concerning the vessel has also complicated efforts to resolve the crisis.

The Foreign Office has reportedly maintained that a direct military operation would be extremely risky because the tanker is carrying petroleum cargo, potentially creating serious dangers for the hostages and rescuers.

Political questions

The police action has also generated criticism of the Sindh government and the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party.

Families and activists have questioned why, after months of appeals, they say they have not received sufficient direct engagement or assurances from senior political figures.

The issue has therefore developed into two separate but connected concerns: the fate of the 10 sailors allegedly held captive abroad, and the treatment of their families while they campaign for government assistance at home.

For the families, the central demand remains unchanged — information about their loved ones and a credible plan to secure their safe release.

After nearly five months of waiting, the latest confrontation has added another layer of distress to an already prolonged ordeal.

As questions continue over the police action, the whereabouts and condition of the 10 sailors remain the overriding concern for their families, who say they will continue pressing authorities until their loved ones return home safely.